Partial resection of the middle turbinate at functional endoscopic sinus surgery

The middle turbinate is often carefully preserved at Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). However there is no clear understanding of its importance and its presence may prevent good access to the middle meatus to the detriment of the surgical result. In addition its bulk may cause symptoms of nasal obstruction and prevent paranasal sinus drainage. Adhesions and stenosis have been reported at the middle meatus following its preservation. We undertook a prospective study of 50 consecutive patients all of whom underwent resection of the anterior half of the middle turbinate at the time of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. The patients were asked to complete a symptom score sheet before and ten weeks after surgery. The parameters considered were nasal obstruction, nasal congestion, discharge, facial pain and headache. Non parametric analysis of the results indicated a significant improvement in all patient symptom scores and no postoperative complications were noted. We conclude that partial resection of the middle turbinate is a useful modification of accepted endoscopic sinus surgery techniques.